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Koson Ohara (1877-1945)
Koson Ohara was famous as a master of kacho-e (bird-and-flower) designs. Throughout a prolific career, in which he created around 500 prints, he went by three different titles: Ohara Hoson, Ohara Shoson and Ohara Koson.
At first, he worked with publishers Akiyama Buemon (Kokkeido) and Matsuki Heikichi (Daikokuya), signing his work Koson. Starting around 1926, he became associated with the publisher Watanabe Shozaburo, and signed his work Shoson. He also worked with the publisher Kawaguchi, signing his works Hoson.
Through his association with Watanabe, Ohara's work was exhibited abroad, and his prints sold well, particularly in the United States.